Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer
Salary

The average salary for a Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer is $45,988 per year. Experience has a moderate effect on pay for this job. Most people with this job move on to other positions after 20 years in this career.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

Job Description for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer

A police officer makes sure that the rules of the road are followed. This could entail writing a ticket for a speeding infraction or apprehending someone impaired by drugs or alcohol. In an emergency, the sheriff's patrol officer will help to bring order to the community.

An officer's primary job is to enforce the law. They constantly look for activities that could disrupt the peace. Once a police officer has observed a suspicious or illegal activity, they will then question the suspicious persons, and, if need be, issue an arrest. If a crime has been committed, the police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime. They will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and try to figure out what has taken place. An officer is expected to fill out paperwork in order to keep detailed records of the crime. Another part of an officer's job is to execute arrest warrants.

To become a sheriff's patrol officer, a person would have to go through training. While some departments require a two-year college degree, many only require specialized training administered through the local department.

Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Tasks

Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.

Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.

Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.

Record daily activities and submit logs and other related reports and paperwork to appropriate authorities.